Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Understanding "nerve deafness"

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, sensorineural hearing loss (also known as nerve deafness) is the third most common disorder in people over age 65. Among males in that demographic, it is actually the most common. Even though it is most prevalent in seniors, the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) studies have shown that sensorineural hearing loss affects one in eight people over the age of 12 in the United States.

We are excited to announce our name has changed to HearingLife!

You will be redirected to our new website in 10 seconds. If not, click the button below.

How sensorineural loss develops

This disorder that occurs when inner ear nerve damage prevents sound information from reaching the brain is a leading cause of having difficulty hearing.

Individuals develop sensorineural loss either from an “acquired” loss or a “congenital” hearing loss. Acquired losses develop after birth; congenital (sometimes called inherited) hearing loss happens in the womb or during birth. Sensorineural deficiencies can vary in degree from mild to profound, and tend to worsen slowly over time, depending on the cause.

Sensorineural symptoms can include:

Inability to hear sounds clearly and fully

Requesting frequent repetition of statements

Needing to stare at the person speaking to try and "mouth read" their audible words

Fatigue from straining to hear

What triggers nerve deafness?

As with many other conditions, understanding what causes it helps in choosing the right treatment option for you. Sensorineural loss may have a single or multiple contributing factors, including, but not limited to:

Age-related hearing loss (aka presbycusis)

Exposure to noise

Family history and genetics

Infection (otitis media and/or external otitis)

Illness, such as a heart condition or stroke

Head trauma and/or injuries

Medicines that harm the auditory system (“ototoxic” drugs)

Burst eardrum (“tympanic perforation”)

Allergies

Ménière's disease

A nerve disorder

Eustachian tube dysfunction

Unless caused by ototoxins (drugs or other substances toxic to the ear), sensorineural hearing loss tends to be permanent and symptoms usually worsen over time. Individuals may also have mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Sensorineural symptoms can include:

Difficulty understanding when people speak if there is background noise

Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling

Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds

Ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus is common with this type of loss.

Feeling out of touch? Know the signs

Have you or someone else noticed these signs recently:

Difficulty following conversations involving more than two people

Trouble retaining oral information in public, such as at restaurants, stores or at work

Speaking on the phone is increasingly difficult

The team at Hearing Healthcare of Virginia is happy to discuss your concerns and give you a professional opinion.

Schedule an appointment

Free hearing assessment

Request Appointment

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Email*

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Why choose us?

Our professionalism and competence provide you with a better experience.

Sign up for our free newsletter

Newsletter Signup

*The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the client(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details.